Page 35 of A Trident Christmas Baby

Ace tilted his head, his gaze returning to the baby. After a moment, he nodded. “You’re right. She deserves a name that fits all sides of her.” He stroked the baby’s cheek with his thumb. “I’ve been thinking about this for a few weeks.” He paused, his jaw tightening slightly as if he were gathering his courage. “What about Jacqueline?”

Alex blinked, her breath hitching. She wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. “Jacqueline?” she repeated. Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Ace nodded. His gaze was steady but filled with warmth. “In honor of your dad. I know you’ve always said he was your hero, and I just think it’s fitting. She deserves a name that carries that kind of strength and legacy.”

Alex’s lips quivered as tears filled her emerald-green eyes. She swallowed hard, trying to keep her emotions in check, but it was impossible. A tear slipped down her cheek as she looked down at her baby, then back up at Ace.

“I think it’s perfect,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “Absolutely perfect.”

Ace reached out, brushing the tear from her cheek, his touch tender and grounding.

Alex sniffled and smiled through her tears. “What about her middle name? What if we named her Jacqueline Jordan?”

Ace tilted his head, surprise flickering across his face. “Jordan?”

Alex nodded. “After your dad. That way, she’ll carry a piece of both of her grandfathers with her. What do you think?”

Ace’s throat worked as he tried to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he nodded, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “I think...I think it’s perfect, Alex. Jacqueline Jordan.”

His voice was rough with emotion, and Alex watched as a single tear slipped down his cheek. Without hesitation, she reached up and gently wiped it away with her thumb, her heart aching with love for the man who had given her this beautiful family.

“She’s going to grow up knowing just how much she’s loved,” Alex said, her voice steady now, even as her heart felt like it might burst. “By both of us and by the people who inspired her name.”

Ace leaned down and kissed her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment. When he pulled back, he smiled, though his voice still carried the weight of his emotions. “Jacqueline Jordan Chambers. It’s perfect. And you know what? JJ has a nice ring to it.”

Alex laughed softly, relief and joy mingling in her chest. “JJ,” she repeated, looking down at their sleeping daughter. “I love it. Our little JJ.”

Ace leaned in, brushing another kiss against Alex’s temple. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

Alex laughed softly, her cheeks warming. “I think you’ve said that a hundred times today.”

“Not nearly enough,” Ace murmured.

As JJ stirred slightly in her blanket, Alex and Ace both held their breath. But their little girl only let out a soft sigh before settling back into her peaceful sleep.

Alex looked up at Ace, her heart so full it felt like it might burst. “She’s ours,” she whispered.

“She’s ours,” Ace echoed, his voice filled with awe.

Together, they sat in the quiet hospital room, and their family of three was finally complete.

In that quiet, tender moment, the world outside the hospital room faded away. It was just the three of them—Ace, Alex, and their little JJ—bound together by love, legacy, and the promise of a bright future.

???

Ace leaned back against the hospital bed, a contented smile on his face. He gazed at Alex as she cradled their newborn daughter. The name they had chosen, Jacqueline Jordan, was perfect. It was a name filled with love and legacy. Alex’s fingersbrushed gently against the baby’s tiny cheek as Jacqueline slept peacefully, her small lips pursed in an innocent pout.

Ace’s reverie was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. He turned just as it cracked open, and Derek’s head popped inside.

“Hey,” Derek said softly, his gruff voice tinged with an unusual gentleness.

Alex looked up and smiled warmly. “D! Get in here,” she said, waving him over. “Would you like to meet your granddaughter?”

Derek hesitated for a moment, his usually confident demeanor giving way to something softer. Ace stood, careful not to jostle the bed, and leaned down to lift Jacqueline from Alex’s arms gently.

“Meet your granddaughter,” Ace said, stepping closer to Derek. “Jacqueline Jordan.”

Derek’s sharp hazel eyes flicked to Alex as if seeking confirmation. “Jacqueline... after your dad?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

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